Africa Here and NOW

TITLE: Gaza, Should Africans Care? Pro- Palestine Cornell Student Who Fled US Talks to Africa Here & NowTags:Africa, Palestine, Israel, activism, geopolitics, youth, solidarity, African Union, Arab League, liberation We explore Africa's historical support for the Palestinian cause with MOMODOU TAAL, the 31-year-old British Gambian graduate student who fled the US before he was deported for his pro-Gaza activism. We recall Nelson Mandela's 1997 statement that South African freedom would be incomplete without that of the Palestinians and how the near universal solidarity on the continent for their cause has ebbed somewhat.Why should a bright, young African jeopardise a first-class education at an elite university because of the suffering of Gazans? MOMODOU is clear: everybody should care about the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including thousands of children.MOMODOU tells us about the protests on campus calling for the university to divest from companies that are involved in the destruction of Palestine and the lives of its people. His name is noted by the authorities, and he realises that he will become a target for deportation by the incoming Trump administration.He is however, helped and supported by his lecturers and members of the faculty including many Jewish students. It is important MOMODOU says, not to conflate Zionism with the Jewish people against whom he has no grudge.When his name appears on a list for deportation, MOMODOU he challenges the legality of executive orders – the tool of choice used by the White House. His legal action fails and MOMODOU decides to ‘self-deport', to flee the United States before he is chucked out.“I've not been accused of any violence, I've not been arrested. The government doesn't say anything about me, my activity. It says that you created an uncomfortable environment for Jewish students….I find that quite strange because I never go to university thinking I have to be comfortable” he says.We ask MOMODOU the fundamental question: why does he think black liberation is inextricably linked to the Palestinian cause? He refers back to Malcolm X and others and their opposition to colonialism. He says: I believe in a world that's free for everybody. And given what we've seen in Palestine and Israel, I don't think we can ignore what has taken place. I want to create a better world, a world built on justice and I can't ignore what's happening in Palestine given what I know has happened to my own ancestor and history.'Momodou Taal hosts a podcast, The Malcolm Effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I meet Bobi Wine as he visits London. He's seeking support for his campaign to rid Uganda of what he calls the ‘ brutal rulership' of President Yoweri Museveni who will have led the country for 40 years in 2026. That's when Uganda is scheduled to hold its next presidential election. Will Bobi run again? ‘Here I am,' he says, ‘Not that I'm the Alpha and Omega, not that I'm the ultimate. But I've said I'm available if I'm required to lead …' We look back at what happened at the last general election in 2021 which Bobi and his supporters say they won. ‘We defeated them, but the entire world watched as many of our campaign team was massacred….' I ask him how does he keep going after all the beatings, the torture, the house arrest? He replies: ‘I'm in a better state than so many of my comrades in the struggle. They get locked up, they get beaten and nobody knows. When I get arrested the whole world knows….So I keep going by looking behind me. I get the least of the oppression and the most of the attention. But my friends that suffer in the dark are not complaining. They keep going” What about your wife and 4 kids? Bobi says the whole family has agreed that although their activism is dangerous, it would be even more dangerous to give up. What did the recent by-election in Kawempe North, which Bobi's NUP won, tell him about how the general election is likely to be fought? There was well-publicised violence and claims of rigging.2026 will be a protest vote, Bobi says: ‘We know that we will win the vote. But I'm not sure if we will win the count.' Bobi reveals that he's in talks with Dr Kizza Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change about the possibility of collaborating as well as with other political parties. Dr Besigye's continued imprisonment, Bobi says, ‘is meant to intimidate all of us'. I suggest to Bobi that his popular support could be limited to his own tribe, the Baganda. The majority, if not all, of the Buganda constituencies vote for Bobi. He disagrees ‘ we won in the far west and in parts of the north…my wife comes from Museveni's tribe…my colleagues come from tribes scattered all over Uganda.' Looking ahead to next year's election, I ask Bobi what's in his manifesto? What are the issues he's running on? ‘Corruption is the cancer that's eating us' he replies. We touch on one of the most controversial issues in Uganda today: human rights particularly as experienced by the LGBQT+ community. A much younger Bobi Wine as a musician had been associated with homophobic lyrics. Today, he has a more nuanced approach to the matter: ‘The west should stop looking at the LGBT rights as the only human rights, otherwise they will provoke Africans and people of the world to start imagining that there's a hidden agenda. People get killed every day in Uganda and they should all have rights.” We end our chat on a rather optimistic note. “The future doesn't have to hold anything for me as an individual. I look at this as all of us. The future is robust. The future is hopeful.' #uganda#HEBobiWine#democracy#corruption#humanrights#africa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at recent events in Zimbabwe and the formation of the March 31 movement and ask how significant a threat it presents to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Dr BLESSING-MILES TENDI, a politics professor at Oxford University, is the author of The Overthrow of Robert Mugabe - Gender, Coups, and Diplomats. He takes us through the complex political landscape of Zimbabwe today as well as the historical context of the 2017 coup against Robert Mugabe.Dr Tendi highlights the rifts between the elites within the ruling party, the role of the military, and the influence of the 'struggle generation' on current politics.He is an expert on coups and Dr Tendi highlights the misconceptions surrounding coups and the challenges of succession planning in Zimbabwe.We consider the international responses to the coup, and how Zimbabweans felt about the aftermath.Dr Tendi emphasises the importance of understanding the past when considering the future dynamic of civilian and military authorities.*We ask when is a coup not a coup? Find out why the international community was reluctant to classify the events of 2017 as a coup.*How far did Mugabe's iconic status as a liberating figure influence the way he was handled by the generals?Has President Mnangagwa coup-proofed his administration?Have the tensions within the military been resolved?Just some of the questions we grapple with in this episode of Africa Here and NowThe Overthrow of Robert Mugabe - Gender, Coups and Diplomats by Blessing-Miles Tendi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marketing guru THEBE IKALAFENG reflects on the current tensions in US-South African relations and suggests that by stopping US aid, President Trump is presenting the continent with a golden opportunity. It's time, Thebe says, for African countries to leverage their resources better and understand their value. The end of western aid should lead to new economic strategies and add urgency to the implementation of measures like the AfCFTA - the agreement that seeks to open borders on the continent and thereby facilitate intra-African trade.Home-grown African brands exist, but Thebe's research as the continent's leading branding authority, has found that there's room for them to improve their reach both in Africa and beyond.As ever, Thebe says, much depends on the quality of African leadership to take full advantage of this moment. As western aid budgets are slashed, Thebe is optimistic that there will be a new emphasis on self-reliance on the continent. There's evidence of this, he says, already and he believes that mood will spread. The end of aid certainly does not spell the end of Africa, says Africa's top marketer.#Thebeikalafeng #africa#amplifyafrica# Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, shares his journey into boxing, the emotional connection with his grandfather, and the challenges he faces in the sport. He discusses the legacy of the Ali family, the expectations placed upon him and how his faith influences him.Nico talks openly about the dangers of boxing and details a severe injury he sustained that took months to recover from. He speaks of his determination to become a world champion.It was Muhammad Ali, himself struggling with Parkinson's disease who encouraged the young Nico to pursue a professional career in boxing. Ali found it hard to speak so he communicated with his young grandson by squeezing his hand. Nico says he doesn't try to emulate his grandfather's style in the ring - but he appreciates Ali's skills and talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this EXCLUSIVE interview with the last emperor of Ethiopia's favourite grandson, we learn the detail of HAILE SELASSIE's overthrow by the military in 1974.When the soldiers came , PRINCE BE'EDE MARIAM, who lived in the imperial palace, volunteered to stay with his grandpa so he wouldn't be alone. Other members of the family left the country.The teenaged prince paid dearly for that act of loyalty: he was imprisoned for 15 years. PRINCE BE'EDE tells us how the emperor did not resist the soldiers. He went with them ' for the good of the country'.The coup leader, MENGISTU HAILE MARIAM, was not among the soldiers who came to the palace, we are told. But MENGISTU was very respectful of the emperor, right up until HAILE SELASSIE's murder. PRINCE BE'EDE tells us about life with his grandfather - how the emperor was a stickler for discipline and punctuality. The Prince was tutored in the art of debate from an early age and every night Haile Selassie himself would serve the young Prince milk and honey before bed.Is PRINCE BE'EDE bitter about the loss of so much of his young life? 'Hatred for me is like a virus,' he replies, ' it attacks yourself rather than anybody else.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amidst the global disruption being wreaked by the Trump administration, a new man takes the helm of the African Union. Expectations are high as the continent faces a complex mix of challenges: an increase in the number of conflicts, the damaging impact of climate change, growing poverty and inequality and the shift in global power dynamics.Djiboutian MAHMOUD ALI YOUSSOUF has an overflowing in-tray. We discuss the challenges with the AU's former envoy to Washington, Dr ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI. Anyone who's heard Ambassador Chihombori knows that she doesn't mince her words. And she certainly doesn't hold back as she give us her assessment of what the African Union chairman faces in 2025.She recommends an inventory of what lies BEHIND the problems faced by the continent, the root causes.Ambassador Chihombori blames many of the continent's conflicts on the activities of western multinationalsShe applauds President Trump's decision to withdraw overseas aid, saying that most of it goes to fund the lavish lifestyles of a few African elitesDr Chihombori showers with praise the juntas of the Sahel for ridding themselves of French neo-colonial influenceDONU KOGBARA pushes back and suggests that Africans are perfectly capable of instigating senseless violence themselves without outside influenceWhat would Ambassador Chihombori do if she were head of the AU? She would counter western-inspired narratives by creating a truly pan-African media to arms Africans with facts and the truth.Thank goodness for Africa Here and Now - the conversation you've always wanted to have about the continent! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We go back to 1993 when the plane carrying Zambia's national football team crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Gabon. Zambia is the only country in the world to have lost its national football team in a plane crash.Journalist and author JAY MWEMBA has detailed the events surrounding the tragedy in his book ‘The Crash of the Buffalo'. Former Nigerian Super Eagle, EFAN EKOKU joined us as we explored with JAY the profound impact the disaster had on the nation.EFAN highlighted the team's talent – it was considered the finest in Zambia's history. The Buffalo military plane had a history of problems, Jay tells us how some of the players were concerned.Economic hardships forced the team to use military transport instead of commercial flights.The crash led to national depression and grief that lasted for years. Zambia's football fortunes have struggled since the tragedy – but victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 was seen as a tribute to the lost team. The final was played in Libreville, the Gabonese capital, not far from the site where the ill-fated team perished. JAY's book devotes a chapter to 'The Ghosts of Libreville'.The tragedy united the country in grief and anger, highlighting the importance of football to the nation.Order your copy of Jay Mwamba's book ‘Crash of the Buffalo' from info@pitchpublishing.co.uk#fazfootball#zambiafootball#africa#afl_africa#african_football#supereaglesnigeria#africa#amplifyafica Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prominent Nigerian political activist and lawyer, an arch advocate of human rights and good governance, DELE FAROTIMI, speaks to Africa Here and Now about his experience of being imprisoned because he accused a powerful senior lawyer of corruption. The allegation is that in his latest book, DELE FAROTIMI, defames a senior legal luminary AFE BABALOLA by accusing him of subverting justice in a case heard by the Supreme Court. Out on bail after three weeks of imprisonment, DELE says Nigeria's criminal justice system is rotten from top to toe. He bemoans the absence of the rule of law in the country and says he was imprisoned without legal due process. DELE's claims about the system of justice in today's Nigeria are explosive and have led to the authorities trying to ban his book, sales of which have skyrocketed since his arrest. DELE's case gained unprecedented support from ordinary Nigerians who voiced their outrage at his detention. This, he says, is what sustains his activism and the hope that a new Nigeria is still possible. #nigeria#delefarotimi@DeleFarotimi@afebaba_chamber@DONUKOGBARA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special year ender, as we round off season 3 of Africa Here and NOW, we look back at some of the moments that made us smile.The former Nigerian Super Eagle, footballer EFAN EKOKU, made us laugh with his cheeky bet on the winning team in the Africa Cup of Nations.Then Ghanaian football pundit, GARY AL SMITH, encouraged DONU into revealing what really lays behind the infamous rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa!Former Nigerian President OLUSEGUN OBASANJO explained how close Niger and Nigeria are in an intriguing way. That was at a time when the West Africa bloc ECOWAS, led by Nigeria, was threatening military action against the military junta who'd carried out a coup. Political analyst, MOELETSI MBEKI, younger brother to the former South African president, THABO MBEKI, gave us a rare glimpse into Mbeki family life.Zeinab Badawi talked about her new book, An African History of Africa and also told us a little bit more about herself.Renowned Zimbabwean journalist and activist, HOPEWELL CHIN'ONO turned to rap to get young Zimbabweans to register to vote. We asked about AI and how it was going down with the people of Malawi, especially as they'd been so hesitant to embrace the double decker bus! We found out about a new craze sweeping Somalia: naming children Istanbul, after the Turkish city. It's apparently in recognition of Turkey's support for Somalia through thick and thin.The Zambian Anglican Bishop TREVOR MWAMBA, bemoaned the state of our humanity and compassion in 2024 and suggested that if Jesus were a refugee at the time of the former UK Conservative government, he'd have been put on a plane to Rwanda.KEMI BADENOCH, who became the first black woman to lead a British political party - the Tories - created a lot of buzz particularly among her fellow Nigerians who were dismayed at her negative portrayal of Nigeria. DONU offered her some advice, from one Nigerian woman to another.Botswana's election yielded a seismic result with the ruling party voted out in a landslide. It presented us with a golden opportunity to talk to former President IAN KHAMA about his country's political shift, his plans for the future and his dance moves.PATRICK and DONU rounded off this bonus episode in characteristic form! We hope you enjoy it. Please subscribe and share with your friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak to Ghanaian academic and political analyst, DR MICHAEL AMOAH, about his country's impressive record of holding orderly elections that lead to peaceful transitions of power. It's a record that's all the more impressive when compared with many of Ghana's neighbours.So JOHN MAHAMA returns to power - he served one term in 2012-2016 - and we discuss his to-do list. First up, we hear, he needs to try to cut a better deal with his country's creditors. Ghana is labouring under the worst economic conditions for a generation. Everyone commends the early concession speech by MAHAMADU BAWUMIA.PATRICK's in Paris from where he gets a close up view of France's political woes and reminds us of its troubles abroad. More and more of its former colonies are turning away and rejecting a French military presence on their territories. The latest to send French troops packing are Chad and Senegal who follow in the footsteps of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.TIFFANY WOGNAIH, Senior Associate at global consulting firm, J.S.Held, tells us about the demands for more revenue from the mining sectors in the Sahelian Three - Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Following the well publicised arrest of western company executives and a warrant for the arrest of the CEO of a Canadian firm, Tiffany says the investment environment is dramatically altered. While western investors may be wary of future projects, Tiffany suggests that interest from the so-called Middle Powers like Russia, Turkey and Iran could fill the gap.DONU's fascination with Namibia continues. She approves wholeheartedly of the election of the country's first woman president - NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH - or Triple N as she's known. We hear how Triple N's celebration could be short lived - there's an awful lot to do, not least dealing with the outcome of the parliamentary election that is being contested by the main opposition party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As climate talks enter their second week in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, MICHAEL USI, Malawi's Vice President, says it's time to get serious about past pledges.And Kenyan pastoralist CHARLES EKALELE tells us why those pledges matter. Changing weather patterns in Turkana County are making people in his community poorer.Africa's Last Colony. As the US, Spain and most recently France add their support to Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, we ask has the Polisario Front given up on its idea of self determination for the Saharawi people? We speak to the Polisario's man in Washington DC, MOULOUD SAID.DONU has words of advice for KEMI BADENOCH, whose rise to the top of British politics is still absorbing many Nigerians who say she has turned her back on Nigeria.PATRICK admits he does take time off work, sometimes. He raves about London's Jazz Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Botswana's new government begins its work, former president IAN KHAMA, reflects on the big political changes in his country as the party of independence - his father's party - the BDP is swept away.He discusses the current state of his country, with high unemployment, low growth and a widening gap between rich and poor. He outlines possible first steps for the new UDC administration of president DUMA BOKO.The former president again acknowledges his poor judgement in appointing his successor, whom he alleges, allowed corruption to spread. MOKGWEETSI MASISI lost the election by a landslide, and should be held accountable says MR KHAMA - possibly by a judicial inquiry.In our conversation IAN KHAMA talks about his future plans as he steps away from frontline politics after 30 years at the helm.What would you like your legacy to be? I ask him. He says that's for other to decide.I can't resist the chance to play a short video that emerged recently in which we see another side of the former president!..But I begin by asking IAN KHAMA what he made of DONALD TRUMP'S re-election in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask political analyst, ADAM MFUNDISI, about the challenges ahead for Botswana's new president DUMA BOKO. He tells us the country is in 'an undeclared recession' brought about by lacklustre diamond sales and corruption.Sudan's war is having horrifying effects on the country's people. The UN has called it 'the world's greatest modern-day famine' with at least 1.5 million people on the brink of starvation. Food is being used as a weapon of war by both sides. More than 10 million people have fled their homes, many to camps where there are no schools. People are speaking of a lost generation of Sudanese children. Amidst all this despair, we ask political economist, JAWHARA KANU, are there any prospects for peace?DONU opines on fellow Nigerian KEMI BADENOCH, who's been elected to lead the UK's Conservative Part. What do other Nigerians make of her achievement? And how might Prime Minister, KEIR STARMER, deal with her? 'She'll make mincemeat of him' reckons DONU.And PATRICK reflects on the 50th anniversary of one of the 20th Century's most significant sporting events, the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa. He reminds us that the 3 day extravaganza had an impact far beyond boxing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Africa here and Now's PATRICK SMITH has rocked up in Gaborone to gauge the mood in diamond-rich Botswana as people prepare to vote. He finds that this month's election could present the most serious challenge to the ruling party's almost 60 years in power.Have the books been cooked in Mozambique's election? The stakes are high, a $150billion gas project is on the cards.Somaliland- the breakaway republic which has no international recognition - is in the eye of a growing storm in the Horn of Africa. A new alliance between Eritrea, Egypt and Somalia threatens to isolate Ethiopia. But it's tiny Somaliland that's central to the current tensions. Its deal with Ethiopia to offer a stretch of its Gulf of Aden coastline in exchange for official recognition has upset everyone in the region. We find out more with PROFESSOR EID ALI AHMED, a senior advisor to the government in Hargeisa.The well-being of Cameroon's 91 year old president has been on our minds; a recent rumour that he had died went viral. The Yaounde government rubbished the rumours and decreed that Cameroonians be banned from discussing the health of their leader or risk prosecution. Africa Here and Now's DONU KOGBARA shares her thoughts on nonagenerian leaders and Orwellian decrees.And why did Tarzan, the legendary apeman, have no African friends despite being raised in an African jungle? That's the kind of question being considered by BARBARA ANGOPA on her new podcast HOLLYWOOD AFRICANS. Along with her co-host, AMAKA UGWUNKWO, Barbara dissects the way black people are portrayed in the movies. Check out HOLLYWOOD AFRICANS, available on all major audio platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk at this year's General Assembly about reforming the UN has gathered pace. Meeting in the shadow of war: Sudan, Ukraine and the Middle East, the idea of changing the makeup of the Security Council took on more urgency. Support for Africa to get two permanent seats on the Council has grown. We asked Kenya's former UN ambassador, MARTIN KIMANI, if and when that's likely to happen. Ambassador Kimani, now Executive Director of NYU's Centre on International Cooperation, explains the responsibilities of being a Security Council member, and questions whether any African country is sufficiently prepared.Galamsey has become a byword for corruption in Ghana. The word 'galamsey' is derived from the phrase 'gather them and sell' and refers to the increasingly widespread practice of illegal gold mining. Thousands of hectares of farmland have been destroyed, reducing Ghana's cocoa harvests dramatically. The country's waterways are being polluted to the extent that some have predicted that Ghana may soon have to import drinking water. And people are getting sick, poisoned by the heavy metal bi-products of irregular mining. Ghanaians have been protesting against what they see as the connivance of politicians in galamsey and just weeks before the next presidential election. We speak to DR YAO GRAHAM, Coordinator of Third World Newtwork-Africa.During the years of apartheid, many South Africans were forced into exile abroad from where they continued their fight against the racist regime. And many of them died abroad, unable to return to the homeland for which they had so tirelessly fought. Now, in a joint operation between the governments of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe the remains of almost 50 freedom fighters have been repatriated. DUMA NOKWE, a lawyer and former ANC Secretary General, died in Zambia more than forty years ago. his daughter, NOSIZWE NOKWE, tells us about the emotional return of her father's remains.#Africa#amplifyafrica#africanunion_official@AMBMKimani@YaoGraham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The complex web of hostilities in the Horn deepen as Egyptian troops prepare to enter Somalia on peacekeeping duties. Ethiopia makes clear its opposition. Some are warning of a coming proxy war fuelled by Ethio-Egyptian animosity. We get the views of Mogadishu-based journalist MOHAMMED SHEIKH NOR.How would a second Trump administration deal with Africa? A question for former Trump Africa ambassador J.PETER PHAM.Nigerians always have something to say about their president's comings and goings. Just back from China and a royal rendezvous at Buckingham Palace, PRESIDENT TINUBU is getting under the skin of his country men and women for his 'imperial style' and the size of his presidential convoys. DONU explains.And PATRICK reveals details of his misspent youth as he heartily welcomes the launch of the iconic US magazine, ROLLING STONE's new edition devoted to African music and culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Africa's leaders gathering in Beijing for the Forum on the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) get more out of the relationship than in the past? Historically, China has imported African raw commodities with little or nothing added to the value of the metals and minerals. Now, with demand on the rise for Africa's vast supply of critical metals and minerals that are vital for the transition to net zero carbon emissions, the continent's leaders could demand greater benefits for their own economies. We ask COBUS VAN STADEN, of the China Global South Project, what to expect.Oxitech, a British biotech firm, has begun releasing genetically modified mosquitos in Djibouti in a bid to curb the surge in malaria cases there. We ask the firm's CEO, GREY FRANDSEN, whether it is actually possible to create a 'friendly' mosquito.ASMAA HAMZAOUI has become Morocco's first female master of gnawa music - a genre that dates back centuries and was introduced by West African slaves. Asmaa tells us how she's been received by her fellow gnawa masters who are, and always have been, men. And for those who are unfamiliar with gnawa, Asmaa explains it and we see her perform with her all-female band, Bnat Timbuktu.DONU tells us about the Africans who have volunteered to fight in the Ukrainian army against Russia.And PATRICK has been to Portugal to assess the official review of its colonial past, and the movement to counter that rosy narrative with a far less flattering account of Lisbon's exploits in its former colonies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary Ghanaian artist, ABLADE GLOVER, talks exclusively to Africa Here and Now on the occasion of his 90th birthday and the opening of his 10th exhibition atLondon's October Gallery, Inner Worlds, Outer Journeys. He takes us through seven decades of loading his palette knife with oils to create dense, mainly urban scenes. He explains his love of Accra life and the hustle and bustle. His work has been described as extracting order from disorder. “I seem to study the aesthetic of the chaotic phenomenon” he's reported to have once said. Ablade recalls that it was independent Ghana's first President, KWAME NKRUMAH, who helped him get his first scholarship to study in the UK. Not only famed for his vibrant paintings, Ablade Glover is renowned for encouraging and inspiring younger artists. His gallery, the Artists Alliance, on Accra's seafront, is one of the great spaces in which their work is featured. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to ADAMA GAYE, former ECOWAS director of communications, and journalist and Chatham House consulting fellow, PAUL MELLY about the West African bloc's future as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali form their own breakaway group. Adama tells us the 15 member ECOWAS is facing a ‘death threat' because of the loss of three of its founding countries. Senegal's new president BASSIROU DIOMAYE FAYE is given the job of trying to woo them back to the clan. Has he been given a fool's errand?Zimbabwe's best-known journalist and activist, HOPEWELL CHIN'ONO tells us about his campaign to get young people to register to vote. We ask him whether there's an appetite in Zim to follow the lead of Kenya's Gen Z after their protests succeeded in getting a much-hated bill withdrawn. Hopewell spells out the repressive conditions under which Zimbabwe's young people live. Daddy Hope himself has been jailed at least 3 times merely for doing his job and exposing corruption.Education minister, CONRAD SACKEY tells us about an app he's rolling out in Sierra Leone's schools to get accurate information about both students and teachers. He's found more than half the teachers on the government's payroll of participating schools were more absent than their pupils! The app is called Wi De Ya – We are Here in Krio. Hear me have a go at Wi De Ya.On day one KEIR STARMER dropped the controversial policy of sending those who'd entered the country unofficially to Rwanda. His Foreign Secretary, DAVID LAMMY, has promised to ‘re-engage' with Africa. PATRICK speculates (intelligently, of course) about what that could mean for the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Battered by drought and flooding, laid low by more than 30 years of civil war, as SOMALIA prepares to accede to a seat on the UN Security Council and joins the East African Community, we ask a senior member of the Prime Minister's Office could the hostilities between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over Somaliland descend into all -out war? Plus, why are so many Somali baby girls being named Istanbul? ABDIHAKIM AINTE, Director of Climate Change and Food Security talks to Africa Here and Now.MALAWI's government has embarked on an ambitious programme of digitisation and AI to improve service delivery and governance. We ask MARTIN KALIMA, Manager for Tech and Digital Transformation in Malawi for the Tony Blair Institute, how is digital transformation even possible when fewer than 20% of Malawians have access to electricity? Guest panellist, VERONIQUE EDWARDS, recalls the introduction of the Double Decker Bus and how locals were perplexed by the absence of an additional driver on the top deck.VERONIQUE also draws our attention to the ongoing conflict in her home country, CAMEROON which is enduring an insurgency whose fighting groups have now splintered, and few know who is fighting for what. What started as a secession bid by Anglophone Cameroonians has now descended, Vero says, into chaos with millions of people too afraid to return to their villages.PATRICK, with a very intermittent connection in Paris, manages to tell us about the mood in France as the far right look set to make advances in legislative elections and why that matters to Africa and to Africans. Even Les Blues are concerned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In South Africa the race is on to find a government of national unity. Parliament must sit by June 16 to elect a new president. Will the ANC appease the markets and investors by joining with the DA and risk widening the rifts in its ranks? Or will it take the ‘Chernobyl option' of joining with the leftists of Malema's EFF and former president Zuma's MK party? We get the views of lawyer, businessman and author OYAMA MBANDLA whose new book ‘The Soul of a Nation' reflects on where the ANC has gone wrong and proposes a new season of national dialogue.THE SOUL OF A NATION by Oyama Mbandla, published by Tafelberg.WALEED MADIBO, Sudanese Governance and International Development expert, founder and President of Sudan Policy Forum outlines the contours of his country's civil war. After more than a year of fighting, almost 3 million people in the west are at risk of being shelled or of starving to death. The battle for El Fasher could determine the outcome of this brutal war that is ravaging Sudan.Patrick explains why a slew of African leaders have been feted in Seoul and a handful are invited to Georgia Meloni's G7 party in Italy.Why is the TV provider, Multi Choice Nigeria being rapped over the knuckles for increasing its charges? It's been fined $100 million and told to give all its customers a free month….just in time for a big, international football tournament. Is that a coincidence? A question for economist KELVIN EMMANUEL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chigozie talks with Donu about his new novel – The Road to The Country – a war novel which documents Nigeria's Biafran civil war. In a frank exchange, he tells Donu this is the story he has always wanted to tell even though he was born almost two decades after the war ended. He tells us that it was so emotionally challenging to write this book, that he missed his deadline – it took much longer than he had anticipated.The Road to the Country is his third novel, both of his earlier books made Booker Prize shortlists. The Fishermen and An Orchestra of Minorities were international best sellers. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages. He reveals that he never reads his books once they are written! Plus, he tells us what his next project is likely to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenya's PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO gets the red-carpet treatment in Washington DC. Why has he become the first African leader IN MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS to receive the privilege of a state visit to the US?We're in conversation with Nigerian investigative journalist, DAVID HUNDEYIN about why he fled his country fearing for his life and (CAN LOSE about) the lamentable state of journalism on the continent. David's new book, Breaking Point, is published by Abibiman.Africa is already the continent with the largest number of Christians. By mid-century it's reckoned that almost half the global flock will live in sub-Saharan Africa. How will African spirituality affect Christianity? We ask eminent BISHOP TREVOR MWAMBA.DONU reflects on the 57th anniversary of THE Biafran declaration of independence. And it's personal, her dad was Biafra's ambassador to the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Africa is the world's youngest continent with a median age of 19. So why does it have the oldest leaders on the planet? And they tend to stick around. Cameroon's President Biya – in his 90s – is the world's oldest leader and has been at the top for 42 years and there are plenty of others in their 70s and 80s. We ask independent researcher, DR JOSEPH ADEBAYO why Africa is a continent for old men. ZEINAB BADAWI tells us about Africa's often overlooked ancient civilisations that she has covered in her best-selling book An African History of Africa. She reminds us that all human beings originate in Africa and until relatively recently (8-12000 years ago), everyone of us was dark skinned. President of SOAS, Zeinab also reveals her love of Italian opera and confesses her guilty pleasure. Is South Africa selling off the family silver? PATRICK updates us on the prospective take-over of Anglo American by BHP. And DONU explains why there's so much interest in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Nigeria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In France, singer, AYA NAKAMURA faces a virulent campaign against the way she sings, the way she dresses, and her language. We ask art curator and film maker, RABI YANSANE what have so many French people got against the most listened to Francophone pop superstar? Migration, particularly from Africa, is being portrayed as a modern day scourge by many western politicians.Yet as DR NICK WESTCOTT of SOAS explains, many Africans who've settled abroad are contributing successfully to their new communities and are becoming increasingly influential. Just like AYA NAKAMURA, who was born in Mali. PATRICK SMITH, in Accra, updates us on a rather relaxed approach Ghanaian candidates are taking to December elections. And DONU KOGBARA taps into the BOBRISKY affair. Has Nigeria's celebrity cross-dresser been unfairly penalised for spraying, or ‘naira abuse? And is BOBRISKY's tough prison sentence softening Nigerian attitudes to LGBQT matters? QUESTION: Is ‘spraying' practiced anywhere else on the continent? The practice of plastering cash on dancers at parties or events to show approval. Let me know. Contact: martine@africahereandnow.comwww.africahereandnow.comyoutube.com/@AfricaHereAndNOWPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Africa Here and Now is back for it's second season with episode one coming next week!We'll continue looking at the major political and security challenges facing the continent, but we'll also be looking at what else is going on in Africa including sport, art, film and music, in fact anything that we think you'll find interesting!Get in touch, let us know what you'd like to hear more of: martine@africahereandnow.comFind us wherever you get your podcasts and on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Africa Here and Now – the conversation you've always wanted to have about the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, our 12th Episode we showcase African classical music. TUNDE JEGEDE is a musical maestro who has mastered the cello and the west African kora. He explains how his training in both instruments has inspired him to produce a style of music that combines elements of African and western classical genres resulting in a unique sound that is thrilling global audiences. Along with some of the finest young musicians on the continent, like DAVID ETIM and VINCENT HAASTRUP, Tunde has created the NOK Orchestra which was recently performing and recording in London. He has given Africa Here and NOW exclusive access to some of the extraordinary tracks before they are released. You can hear them in this, the final Episode of Season One.The tracks included in this episode are all by the NOK Orchestra:Jairaby BalladJairaby LeKairaLet Elements Mov. III Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five months into the war on Gaza, we ask why Egypt is so unwilling to take in desperate Palestinians. Independent Consultant HAFSA HALAWAtells us Cairo fears letting in Islamist militants.Prominent Nigerian political economist KINGSLEY MOGHALU warns the country's economic troubles have already become a political crisis that will only get worse. And a former president contender himself, from the east, we ask if his country will ever vote for an IGBO president.As Ghana hosts the 13th Africa Games, sports journalist GARY AL SMITH tells us why Ghanaians are not impressed by their government's splashing of the cash - which has already seen the country achieve one unenvied title - owner of the world's most expensive hole in the ground.Plus, DRC President Tshishikedi racks up his airmiles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa political commentator, MOELETSI MBEKI, is a harsh critic of the ruling ANC's record in office. But, he tells us, that hasn't harmed relations with his big brother, THABO MBEKI, a former South African President. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Nigerian President, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, in an exclusive interview, tells us why Western-style democracy doesn't work for Africa and suggests a traditional system of consensus instead.Political economist, MOELETSI MBEKI, explains why the ANC is facing a drubbing in South Africa's next elections; he pays tribute to OBASANJO, the elder statesman, and tells us he doesn't argue with big brother, THABO MBEKI.Plus, How the fate of the humble mule reached the in-trays of Africa's leaders; they've now banned the slaughter of donkeys for their skins. We discover ejiao - a Chinese beauty treatment.www.africahereandnow.comYoutube.com/@AfricaHereandNowPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AfricaHere&NOW's panellist, DONU KOGBARA, tells us of the time she was kidnapped from her home in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. For almost 2 weeks she was kept captive in a tiny hut in a mangrove swamp. She was beaten but developed an empathetic relationship with her captors. She grew to understand the reasons why the young men had taken her by force and were demanding $2 millons for her release. Donu tells us of the impact her kidnapping has had on her life, and on that of her family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donu and Gary Al Smith enlighten us... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

* We examine the state of ECOWAS, the West African bloc, as Senegal postpones elections and as 3 Sahelian countries announce their decision to leave. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Dr ABDEL FATAU MUSAH admits that sanctions against Niger were 'not well handled' and that there's now a need for dialogue to get the 3 states back.@DrFatauMusah*Former top tier ZANU PF member, turned independent presidential contender, SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE tells us about the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe and where he thinks NELSON CHAMISA went wrong with his CCC Party.@Hon_Kasaukuwere*As AFCON reaches its finale, renowned sports journalist, GARY AL SMITH, explains why minnows Cabo Verde have done so well in the tournament, and gives us insight into the rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria - it's about more than just football.@garyalsmithPlus, DONU explains why so many people have been moved by the death of Namibian president HAGE GEINGOB.@DONUKOGBARAAnd PATRICK surveys the candidates in Ghana's forthcoming elections including a new, wealthy interloper.@AF_Conf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mass killings and kidnappings get closer to Abuja, the Nigerian capital. Expert, Dr CHIDI ODINKALU, tells us it's not a matter of failing security forces, it's because of COLLUSION between some senior politicians and armed groups. And DONU, talks about her own terrifying kidnapping ordeal.Plus, Should Africans who collaborated in the trans-Atlantic slave trade also pay reparations, along with their European business partners? One of the questions for British-Ghanaian MP, BELL RIBEIRO ADDY. We also asked:* what it's like to be a socialist in a Labour Party that has drifted to the right?* Why the Conservatives have more senior black and brown members than Labour?*How much interest a future Labour government might have in Africa?Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comWebsite: www.africahereandnow.comYoutube: youtube.com/@AfricaHereandNOWPodcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/africahere-now/id1714509526   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

* What role does the UAE play in the Horn of Africa? We look at the forgotten war in Sudan and delve into Ethiopia's controversial deal to recognise Somaliland in exchange for access to the sea.* The Christmas killings in Nigeria's Plateau State*The billion-dollar election in DRC where more than half the country didn't vote* A South African tech bro tells of his hopes for 2024* Former Nigerian Super Eagle, Efan Ekoku tells us who he thinks might win the Africa Cup of Nations, and why Premier League managers don't share the excitement of African football fansDonu casually drops in a popular pidgin phrase: 'Money for hand, back for ground'. It's used, I'm told, in a situation where a person refuses to deliver until they have been paid. It's a favourite of sex workers...Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fascinating story of a woman from Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa who grows up in North Korea. Monica Macias talks about her identity crisis as a black girl in Pyongyang and being the daughter of "Africa's Pol Pot" and the ward of a North Korean dictator.Her book is Black Girl From Pyongyang' Published by Duckworth.Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are police officers from Kenya being sent to Haiti where gang violence is tearing the Caribbean country apart? South Africa's ANC loses a senior figure: MAVUSO MSIMANG, a party stalwart  quits over ‘entrenched corruption' and says his beloved party's prospects in next year's elections do not look good. As COP28  wraps up, did Africa get what it wanted? We ask a Nigerian energy consultant and we hear from a rather frustrated Ghanaian delegate who's there in Dubai. Plus Tinubu's enormous delegation to COP28, Nigerians are up in arms. And find out why Rwanda's President is no doubt rubbing his hands with glee…Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Africa's Climate Tsar, Carlos Lopes on what Africa wants from COP28A young Nigerian activist warns us that in the rush to kickstart production of Green energy, not to forget the 600 million Africans who don't even have access to electricity.The runners and riders in the DR Congo presidential race - all 25 of them.Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberians vote in the closest presidential runoff since the civil war -we gauge the mood in Monrovia.Nigerian politician turned academic, Kayode Fayemi, calls for a Marshall Plan for the Sahel.The Africa Investment Forum in Marrakech - almost 35 BILLION dollars is pledged. Who left Morocco happy?The Rugby Africa president persuades us that his sport is more than just fun, it's big business too.Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles' first overseas trip as monarch is to Kenya - what kind of reception awaits him?What benefit could President Ramaphosa bring to the Israel/Gaza war? He offers his service amid a row over his government's supposed support for Hamas.Has Nollywood finally come of age? The Black Book film smashes records and goes global.Get in touch: martine@africahereandnow.comInstagram: africahereandnowX @MartineDennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.